21730: Women and da’wah

What do you say about calling people to Allaah (da’wah) with regard to women?

Published Date: 2008-03-24

Praise be to Allaah.

Women, like men, are obliged to call people to Allaah and to enjoin what is
good and forbid what is evil, because the texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah
indicate that, and the words of the scholars clearly state that. So women have
to call people to Allaah and enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil,
following the guidelines of sharee’ah, just as men are required to do. A woman
should not be deterred from calling people to Allaah by feelings of anxiety or
lack of patience because of some people looking down on her, insulting her or
mocking her. Rather she has to put up with that and be patient. If she thinks
that people are mocking her or making fun of her in some way, then she should
pay attention to something else, which is that she should be the best example of
observing hijaab in front of non-mahram men and avoiding mixing freely. She
should be careful to ensure that her da’wah is free of anything reprehensible.
If she makes da’wah to men she must do so whilst observing hijaab and without
being alone with any non-mahram man. If she makes da’wah to women, she must call
them wisely and making sure that her attitude and behaviour is above suspicion
so that no one will criticize her or ask, “why doesn’t she start with herself?”
She has to keep away from clothing that will distract people, and avoid all
kinds of fitnah (temptation) such as displaying her beauty or speaking in a soft
manner, for which she may be criticized. She must take care to call people to
Allaah in a manner which will not harm her religious commitment or her
reputation.